The Prime Minister and President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, has announced today (Sunday) that a "very powerful" plan of aid will be approved on Tuesday by the Council of Ministers in Madrid, that will release 206 million euros for those affected by the eruption of the La Palma volcano.
This aid is in addition to the 10.5 million for homes and basic necessities approved by the Ministers last week, when they also declared the island as an official ‘disaster’ area.
Sánchez made this announcement on his return to La Palma, where he plans to visit people temporarily staying in a hotel in Fuencaliente, in the south of the island.
The president of the La Palma Cabildo, Mariano Hernández, sent a message of encouragement to all residents of the island, saying: “We continue without registering any personal injuries from the eruption, which is undoubtedly the best news we can give. All people are in decent accommodation and we are guaranteeing will continue for those people who are dependent.”
“Everything is being made possible thanks to the behaviour of everyone, especially as sometimes it is difficult to reconcile this exemplary behaviour with the tragedy we are experiencing." Hernández stressed that we must continue fighting to move forward as previous generations of Palmeros have done before.
Hernandez continued: “Life goes on in La Palma, more than 90% of the island is still under normal conditions. We are grateful for the flood of affection and solidarity that we are receiving. The island maintains its usual rhythm and security for residents and tourists is absolute. The best way to help La Palma is to visit us, treat each other normally so that we can all reactivate the economy and give the island a boost," he said.
The President of the Canary Islands, Angel Victor Torres, added: “These are hard moments in the lives of many people, we don't know when it will end and they are moments of anguish. The mental strength of those affected is what should motivate the entire international community. They will not be alone, we will be by their side.”
